Wednesday, October 27, 1999

Caddo Parish Sheriff Don Hathaway’s Fourth Senior Citizen Academy graduated 26 students today in brief "commencement" exercises at the Caddo Correctional Center.

The 26 senior citizens completed the seven-session, 14-hour curriculum that gave them an overview of Sheriff’s Office operations and practical information for their personal safety and well-being. Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Milton Almond, presented the academy completion certificates.

Graduating from the academy today were Charlene Anderson, Augie Baker, Ikie Brooks, Patricia Bruce, Annie Cannon, Betty Carlisle, Charlie Davis, Elizear Davis, Ann Dearing, Minnie Felder, Lola Hancock, Eleanor Jackson and Orelia Johnson. Also graduating were Eva Lee, Francis Livingston, Rosa Melton, Helen Myles, Mae Pendarvis, Emma Pero, Leola Rhodes, Jessie Rushing, Ella Russell, Sarah Rynder, Myrtis Taylor, Northell Wardell and Onita Wolf.

In organizing the academy, Sheriff Hathaway said, "Senior citizens are the fastest growing segment of our local population. This educational program is designed to address the specific needs of our senior citizens to help assure their continued safety and well-being."

The Sheriff’s academy provided the senior citizens with an inside look at law enforcement duties, policies and procedures. It also gave the participants a chance to meet and share ideas and information with Sheriff’s deputies in a positive setting.

Topics covered in the academy included overviews of the Sheriff’s Office structure, the Caddo Correctional Center and the 9-1-1 Center. Subject-matter experts also discussed services provided under the Elderly Crime Victims Assistance program, general safety, drug and gang awareness, firearms safety, con games and white collar crime.